A serving police officer is among eight people being questioned by detectives in connection with a string of serious offences, it has been confirmed.

Lancashire Constabulary has said that the unnamed officer is still in police custody following an ongoing operation centred on Preston that started on March 16.

A spokeswoman added that the arrest of the six men and two women – who are aged between 17 and 57 – related to an investigation into allegations of money laundering, perverting the course of justice and misconduct in a public office.

All eight are continuing to be questioned by detectives, but police have declined to give any further details of the circumstances surrounding the case.

The spokeswoman however confirmed that officers have been searching addresses in the Deepdale, Ingol and Fulwood areas of Preston as well as properties at Walton-le-Dale and Ormskirk.